PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Expedia, NextTrip, Amadeus and more...
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Expedia, NextTrip, Amadeus and more...

PhocusWire’s weekly travel tech news briefs: Expedia, NextTrip, Amadeus and more…

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PhocusWire’s weekly travel tech news briefs: Expedia, NextTrip, Amadeus and more…

Trainline PLC has partnered with Scope3 to integrate sustainability into its advertising strategy. Expedia’s Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP) has introduced platform upgrades aimed at improving efficiency and boosting revenue for travel advisors. Thomas Cook has launched a mobile app for United Kingdom travelers to book package holidays in the UK. NextTrip has teamed with digital media firm Jungle Creations to expand the reach of its travel and lifestyle brand Journy across social and streaming platforms. Amadeus has extended its partnership with the Australian Department of Home Affairs to continue supporting Departure SmartGates across 10 international airports. The upgrade enhances mobile and web functionality, introduces a new member app and portal and enables real-time updates, digital cards and tier-based rewards, the company said. It also aims to improve efficiency and accuracy in traveler identification while extending the system’s operational life, Expedia said. The app is gaining ground on desktop and the travel agency said it is gaining inspiration as a travel tool.

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Here’s our roundup of the people, product and partner news from the global travel industry this week.

This roundup was created with the help of ChatGPT.

Trainline PLC, Scope3

Trainline PLC has partnered with Scope3 to integrate sustainability into its advertising strategy. Using Scope3’s Green Media Products and Verified standards, Trainline offers brands low-carbon ad inventory and accurate emissions tracking.

The move supports Trainline’s broader environmental goals, including net-zero emissions by 2040 and its I came by train campaign. Advertisers can now run impactful, sustainable campaigns while reaching Trainline’s 27 million global users.

Hospitable’s guest portal updates

Property management platform Hospitable has launched a major upgrade to its guest portal, giving hosts a fully branded way to automate upsells, security deposits, rental agreements and guest verification.

The redesigned portal offers custom domains, logos and colors, helping hosts deliver a seamless guest experience across booking platforms. Upsells, like late checkouts or local add-ons, are now automated via smart artificial intelligence tools. Hosts can also securely manage deposits and agreements with built-in ID verification and customizable fields. The update reduces manual work while boosting revenue and professionalism for short-term rental operators.

Expedia TAAP’s tools

Expedia’s Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP) has introduced platform upgrades aimed at improving efficiency and boosting revenue for travel advisors. New features include extended deferred payment options—allowing bookings up to 365 days in advance—alongside added flexibility for modifying those bookings. Advisors can now also pay via bank transfer in select European markets.

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Additionally, the agency service charge tool has expanded to over 20 countries, enabling advisors to add a service fee of up to 30% per lodging booking. These enhancements reflect growing demand for tools that support advisors’ workflows and profitability across global markets, Expedia said.

NextTrip, Jungle Creations

NextTrip has partnered with digital media firm Jungle Creations to expand the reach of its travel and lifestyle brand Journy across social and streaming platforms. The collaboration includes content production, influencer strategy and cross-promotion through Jungle’s viral brands like Twisted and VT.

With a network of 150 million followers, Jungle will support Journy’s free ad-supported television (FAST) platform push, brand campaigns and upcoming content slate. The move aims to grow viewership, drive engagement and increase ad inventory value as NextTrip positions Journy for broader distribution and stronger tourism board partnerships ahead of World Travel Market in London this fall.

Amadeus, Australia Department of Home Affairs

Amadeus has extended its partnership with the Australian Department of Home Affairs to continue supporting Departure SmartGates across 10 international airports. The new multi-year agreement, managed through Amadeus’ subsidiary Vision-Box Australia, includes a midlife refresh of the biometric infrastructure and the deployment of Visiontec Facial Recognition technology.

This upgrade aims to improve efficiency and accuracy in traveler identification while extending the system’s operational life. Amadeus has been the technology provider for the program since 2015, supporting Australia’s efforts to modernize border control with secure, self-service technology that facilitates smooth international travel.

Starflyer’s loyalty program

Japan’s Starflyer airline has overhauled its Star Link loyalty program using IBS Software’s cloud-based iLoyal platform, moving away from a legacy in-house system. The upgrade enhances mobile and web functionality, introduces a new member app and portal and enables real-time updates, digital cards and tier-based rewards, the company said.

With iLoyal’s Partner Integration Hub, Starflyer can expand its earn ecosystem through new partnerships. The platform also supports personalized engagement and greater system integration as part of Starflyer’s broader digital transformation. The move marks IBS Software’s growing presence in Japan.

Thomas Cook mobile app

Online travel agency Thomas Cook has launched a mobile app for iOS and Android, allowing United Kingdom travelers to book package holidays in one transaction.

The app, developed by parent company eSky Group, offers access to hundreds of airlines and tens of thousands of hotels worldwide. All bookings are protected by the Air Travel Organiser’s Licensing and the Association of British Travel Agents and include a lowest price guarantee. Users can search flexibly by travel dates and pay using Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay or Google Pay. While most bookings still happen on desktop, eSky said mobile is gaining ground and the app also serves as a travel inspiration tool.

Source: Phocuswire.com | View original article

Source: https://www.phocuswire.com/travel-tech-news-briefs-july-25-2025

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